I’m in two minds about skeleton watches. On the upside, it is great to see inside any watch movement because there is always a fascination with the intricate workings of any calibre. On the downside, you lose the impact of a beautiful dial.
Hamilton released the skeletonised Jazzmasters in April 2020, and since we missed a load of stuff during lockdown, it was time to catch up.
The H-10 movement is inside the 40mm case, which is derived from the ETA 2824 base, although it has had some work done by Swatch Group. It provides the entry level power unit for the Tissot Powermatic 80 as well. Now 80 hours reserve is impressive, but you have to say, this isn’t the greatest looking movement to put on display.
The big problem I have with Hamilton is that the resale values are incredibly poor on them. I’ve seen pawnbrokers offer under £200 for a minter, with box and papers, because you cannot sell the thing in the window for much more than £450-£550, depending on the model and colour etc.
Nobody wants them, and they don’t see them as being `Swiss’ watches, even though they are because the same company that owns Breguet are manufacturing Hamilton.
In short, the Hamilton brand lacks prestige and although the Jazzmaster is a well made watch, it isn’t worth over £1100 and never will be. Not when the same company is selling a Tissot Powermatic 80 for £403 via its dealer network.
Crazy.